Abstract: A headgear mount (10) for night vision goggles (12) is disclosed. The headgear mount (10) is formed with a goggle mounting structure (14) secured to a mounting block (16). Mounting block (16) is secured to frame (22) that is secured to the front portion of the user's cranium by straps (28, 32, 38, 52, 54). Goggle mounting structure (14) allows the goggles (12) to rotate between a line-of-sight position when in use and a stowed position when not in use. A magnet means formed by two magnet positioners (72, 74) and two magnets (74, 76) adjust the power switch of goggles (12) so that the goggles (12) receive power in the line-of-sight position and do not receive power when in the stowed position. Headgear mount (10) has adapters (98, 104) that allow headgear mount (10) to be used with various types of night vision goggles.

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: A video display (38) provides a visual representation of a video signal over a matrix of pixels (40). Each pixel comprises a picture element (64) operable to radiate responsive to an externally applied voltage determined by the video signal. To prevent the intensity of a selected picture element (64) from being dependent upon the threshold potentials of the switching elements connecting the externally applied voltage to the picture elements (64), feedback lines (46) are provided to sense the voltage at the picture element (64). The voltage at the picture element (64) is adjusted until it equals the desired voltage.

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: A universal night vision goggle adapter (38) is provided for mounting a pair of night vision goggles (40) to a Special Purpose Test Set (10). The adapter (38) comprises slidably adjustable clamps (61 and 62) which are adjusted by a rotating rod (46). The rod (46) is rotationally supported by a bearing housing (44) which is in-turn fixed to a platform (42). The rod (46) is threadably attached at one end to a first bar (48) and threadably attached at another end to a second bar (50). The first and second bars (48 and 50) are fixed to the adjustable clamps (61 and 62) in such a fashion that as the rod (46) is rotated, the bars (48 and 50) are moved closer together or farther apart to adjust the clamps (61 and 62).

Abstract: The capacitive bolometer comprises a detection capacitor having a first-order phase transition ferroelectric material between two electrodes. The detection capacitor operates during a detection step and a subsequent readout step. During the detection step, a preselected electric field is applied to the detection capacitor to maximize its sensitivity to temperature. A second electric field is applied to the capacitor during the readout step in order to increase responsivity of the detection cell. The detection cells according to the invention can be assembled into disclosed detection arrays.

Abstract: A retainer ring (10) is provided to secure a lens (14) in a lens holder (12). The lens holder (12) has a groove (29) on its internal surface to match the external surface (34) of the ring (10). The lens (14) is placed in the lens holder (12) and the ring (10) is snapped into position in the groove (29) in lens holder (12) to secure the lens (14) therein. The lens holder (12) may then be inserted into an eyepiece (22) on a night vision goggle (20).

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: A photocathode current sensing circuit (58) is provided to adjust the electron accelerating voltage to a cone (32) and a phosphor screen (34) on an image intensifier tube (26). The voltage is adjusted by an anode power supply (60) which is responsive to the photocathode current sensing circuit (58). As light strikes the photocathode (28), a current (56) is generated. The current (56) is directly proportional to the intensity of light striking the photocathode (28). As the light and the current (56) decrease, the sensing circuit (58) controls the power supply (60) to provide a higher voltage to the cone (32) and the screen (34). By increasing the voltage to the cone (32) and the screen (34) the electrons are provided with more acceleration and, therefore, are intensified for viewing on the screen (34). An increase in light operates oppositely and decreases the intensity on the screen (34).

Abstract: A source discriminator comprises a diffusing surface (10) provided to receive radiant energy over a wide field of view. Radiant energy received is transmitted from the diffusing surface (10) along an optical fiber (12) of a preselected numerical aperture to a radiant energy filter or grating (18). The numerical aperture of the optical fiber is preselected to provide an acceptable half-cone of arrival of radiant energy at the filter or grating (18). From the radiant energy filter or grating (18), the radiant energy passes to photosensors, the output signals of which are used; is the source discriminator system.

Abstract: A saddle sway brace (90) having a channeled planar plate (94) engageable on a missile launcher platform surface (56). Angled planar plates (100, 102) provide load support for aircraft outrigger equipment. A webbed reenforcing network (110, 112) is engageable with notches (122, 124) in the missile launcher for load support and stability.

Abstract: A binocular periscope (10) viewer includes a columnar glass prism (52) disposed in a vertical optical path (24) and an angled internal reflective surface (51) for redirecting the image from a horizontal path (22) an object lens assembly (54), a night vision image intensifier tube (56) and a collimator (58) are all disposed in the vertical optical path (24) and further condition the image for presentation to a triple prism (60). The triple prism (60) includes a first prism (62) integral with a second prism (64) and a third prism (66). Prism (62) is disposed in the vertical optical path (24) and redirects the image into a forward horizontal optical path (70). Each of prisms (64, 66) receive essentially the entire redirected image, and further redirect such image into oppositely directed lateral horizontal optical paths (26, 28). The triple prism (60) is mounted to a cradle (106) which is secured to the frame (12) of the viewing system.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting the power contacts (18, 20) of automatic bus transfer equipment, including high speed solid state switches (30, 32) connected across the respective contacts. A timing and steering circuit (36) is responsive to the electrical energization of a solenoid (22) for firing the solid state switch (32) connected across the closed contact (18). A timer (48) is responsive to the opening of the contacts (18). At the elapse of a time period, the firing circuit (34) is caused to operate the solid state switch (30) before the closing of the contacts (20). The solid state switch (30) is maintained operated for a predetermined period of time by a timer (90).

Abstract: A bracket (10) for releasably engaging a goggle (14) to a headgear (12). The bracket (10) includes a receptacle (52) with inside tapered sidewalls (124) matable with a goggle stud (55) having corresponding outer tapered sidewalls (125). A release lever (22) is housed in said stud (55) and includes a transverse notch (140) latchable with a lug (146) on a catch arm (144) adjustably fixed within the receptacle (52). The catch arm (144) is adjustable by an eccentric (162) while the goggle stud (55) is engaged within the receptacle (52).

Abstract: A CCD (12) or other photoelectronic device is bonded to an image tube housing (26) to provide a digital output from the image tube (19). The housing (26) and cathode (19) are degassed in chambers (44 and 42) at a high temperature and low pressure. A load lock chamber (46) is degassed and evacuated to remove contaminants. After cooling the chambers (42, 44 and 46) the CCD (12) is placed in the load lock chamber (46) which is then sealed and evacuated. After evacuation, a gate valve (54) is opened between the load lock chamber and the housing chamber (44) and the CCD is placed on a press station (63) of a metal bellow (64). The metal bellow (64) is extended to push the CCD (12) against an indium seal ring (36) on the housing (26), creating a seal between the CCD (12) and the housing (26).

Abstract: Disclosed is a reticle generator having an azimuth array (64) of light emitting diode filament lines and an elevation array (66) of orthogonal light emitting diode filament lines. The arrays (64, 66) are fixed by rigid bracket members (136, 144) with respect to the faces (74, 80) of a partially reflecting prism (76). An illuminated LED filament line projected into the prism (76) by azimuth array (64) is reflected by the partially reflecting surface (82), and emitted from prism face (84). A selected LED filament (78) from elevation array (66) is transmitted through the prism (76) and emitted from face (84) and thus superimposed with the azimuth filament line (72).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arranging primary optical apparatus to provide a high degree of adaptability to other vision equipment. The primary optical apparatus (10) includes a housing (90) with a number of cavities for holding optical components in alignment with respect to various optical paths. An image intensifier tube (114) is mounted in a cavity (112) disposed in a planar face (70) of the housing (90). The planar face (70) is adapted for mounting to a variety of other optical equipment. A collimator (115) is disposed in a housing cavity (113) and optically aligned between the tube (114) and a dual prism (128, 136). The optical images existing the prisms (128, 136) are redirected through turning mirrors (154, 158) and presented through eyepieces (92) to an observer.

Abstract: The capacitive bolometer comprises a detection capacitor having a first-order phase transistion ferroelectric material between two electrodes. The detection capacitor operates during a detection step and a subsequent readout step. During the detection step, a preselected electric field is applied to the detection capacitor to maximize its sensitivity to temperature. A second electric field is applied to the capacitor during the readout step in order to increase responsivity of the detection cell. The detection cells according to the invention can be assembled into disclosed detection arrays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving radiant energy is provided having a linear sensitivity to the angle of arrival of the radiant energy with that linearity relatively unaffected by wavelength and polarization variations in the radiant energy. An optical fiber is provided having a receiving end disposed to receive radiant energy and also having a transmitting end. A diffusing surface for receiving radiant energy is disposed on the receiving end of the optical fiber. A detector receives radiant energy from the transmitting end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.